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A fun fact: The name “Obscur” in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 references the initially cryptic nature of the in-game systems and mechanics.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 places you in the role of a group of social media mages, spearheaded by the daring British Daredevil, on a journey to combat a universal phenomenon that halts the natural aging process. It merges turn-based RPG battles with timed defensive moves inspired by Soulslike games, all presented with a idiosyncratic artistic lexicon.

It has emerged as the most successful games of the year, having achieved massive sales and won top honors recognition. The adventure can feel slightly intimidating in the beginning, but after you grasp its systems, you’ll find a deep and fascinating experience that stands apart from other games. Below are a collection of beginner's tips for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Swap Party Members Often

In Expedition 33, characters who take part in a encounter receive a sizable bonus to XP compared to those on the bench. What's more, the campaign will at times mandate you to include particular characters. The easiest method to both issues is to rotate your team and aim to keep your roster at a roughly equal power level.

The upside is that grinding is not too tedious. Fights award a substantial amount of XP, frequently enough for a stat increase after just two or three. You can refresh an zone's monsters by stopping at an checkpoint banner—these points are located throughout each area. If you need to accumulate XP fast, simply engage in combat near a flag, use the flag, and continue the cycle.

Rotate Items Often

The game features a couple of key ways to provide passive perks to your party members: Picto gems and Luminas.

• Pictos function as gear that give stat boosts and include a special ability. Every party member can wear a maximum of three Pictos. After being worn, winning four fights with a Picto will unlock its linked Lumina.
• Luminas function differently but are similar to unlocked abilities. Each character has a pool of skill points (which grows via consumables). A Lumina has a specific point cost. Provided that a character has sufficient LP, you are not restricted can use the same skill, allowing you to combine powerful passives across your entire team.

The optimal approach is to always someone equips any new accessory and wins four encounters to unlock its Lumina. This ensures the ability will be available for future use.

Should you not have new Pictos to work on, simply slot the Pictos with the best stats for your playstyle.

Perfect Guards Are Not Your Only Option

Expedition 33’s key feature is its combination of turn-based combat with action-oriented blocks. However, the opportunity to deflect is incredibly short on any mode. In place of frustrating yourself trying to land parries, concentrate on evading.

Even though a successful parry grants Action Points and causes significant bonus damage, failing to parry leaves you vulnerable. The good news is there are several accessories and abilities that grant AP on a perfect roll. If you can't get the block down, focus on those dodge-focused perks instead.

The Break Status Is Your Key Tactic

Break is a battle-altering mechanic that can turn the tide. As you attack a foe, a yellow gauge fills up under their life bar. Upon maxing out, you can inflict break, which reduces their armor by a significant amount and skips their turn for an entire round. It is the most impactful status effect in the game, but only specific abilities can trigger it.

Allocate Points With a Plan

You are able to re-spec stat points and abilities using a rare item called a Recoat. Given its scarcity, it's smart to think ahead prior to using your skill points. Get a feel for a character's playstyle and map out a progression route in advance.

Don't Forget to Stop At the Checkpoint Flag

Stopping at an checkpoint fully heals your all characters and restocks all of your potions, including Chroma Elixirs and revival items. Make it a habit to use each flag you see!

These flags also serve as the closest thing to navigation in the game. There is no mini-map, waypoint system, or quest indicators. However, each flag has a identifier. When you interact with one, you can access a log of all discovered flags in that zone under a fast travel menu. It's a simple but effective way to navigate the world.

Locked Chests Are Consistently Rewarding

These special containers are effectively locked treasure chests that require you to locate and shoot three scattered mechanisms in the immediate vicinity to opening them. The treasure inside is always valuable, often containing Recoats or unique gear. The three locks aren't in plain sight, but they are almost always near the cage. If you are stuck, try smashing crates or checking elevated spots.

Go Ahead and, Battle the Shopkeeper

Each shopkeeper carries a secret, unique item that isn't listed in their standard shop. To unlock it, you must select a party member and win a duel in a single combat. This is invariably worth doing, as these rewards are game-changing. The first merchant you meet, for instance, offers a special accessory that inflicts the Defenseless debuff, which increases damage dealt against the affected enemy by 25%.

Rely On the Autosave

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